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A push factor for my mother was that it was difficult for her to succeed in her area as a ballet teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance method. A pull factor for my mother was her love for my father.

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English: One who chases after two hares won't even catch one.
Japanese: 二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず。

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The Shrines and Temples of Nikko are located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, and encompasses 103 buildings or structures and the natural setting around them. 9 of the structures are designated National Treasures of Japan while the 94 are Important Cultural Properties. 23 structures of the Futarasan Shrine, 42 buildings of the Tosho-Gu shrine, and 38 buildings of the Rinno-Ji temple were nominated.

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Japanese culture has influenced American culture in many ways. Japanese competition in the late 20th century played a big role in forcing American companies to change, Japanese architecture inspired some American architects, and the Japanese improved on a lot of technology from America.

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Christmas isn't a religious celebration in Japan, but is known as a time to spread happiness. Christmas Eve is celebrated more than Christmas day, as it's thought of as a romantic day for couples to spend together and exchange presents. Though Christmas isn't a national holiday, most Japanese schools are closed on Christmas day since the holiday break normally starts around the 23rd. Most businesses will treat the 25th as a normal work day though.

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I didn't know this before, but Japan actually has two national animals: the green pheasant and the carp (koi).

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Shichi-Go-San, or Seven-Five-Three, is a traditional rite of passage in for three- and seven-year-old girls and three- and five-year-old boys. It's held every November 15 to celebrate the growth and well-being of children. Three- and five-year-old boys and three- and seven-year-old girls are dressed up in kimonos and visit shrines to drive out evil spirits and wish for a long and healthy life. This day is also known as a day to take pictures of the children in their traditional wear. The children receive long, thin, red and white candy wrapped in rice paper known as Chitose Ame, or "thousand year candy", which represent healthy growth and longevity. The candy is given in a bag decorated with a crane and a turtle. Both animals symbolize long life. I took part in this when I was three- and seven-years-old.

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Mizuame, which means "water candy", is a loose candy that's like caramel before it's hardened. It's clear, sticky, and very sweet. It's basically made of cornstarch syrup and usually comes in a cup or jar.

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My mother, Noriko, was the first Japanese person in my family to come to the United States.

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The current prime minister of Japan is Shinzo Abe. The prime minister is elected by a majority vote from members of a House of Representatives.

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The Japanese use yen as currency. One Japanese yen is equal to about .0089 of an American dollar.

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My mother's side of the family is Japanese while my father's side is American.

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The red circle in the middle represents the sun, since Japan is known as "the land of the rising sun".